American Express® Gold Card Review (2026)
The Amex Gold is the best card for people who spend heavily on dining and groceries. At 4x on restaurants and US supermarkets, it out-earns nearly every card in its class. The $250 annual fee is offset by $240 in annual credits — making the effective cost just $10 for most cardholders.
Quick verdict
Best for: Anyone who spends $300+/month on dining and/or groceries. The 4x rate is among the highest available in both categories, and the $120 dining credit + $120 Uber Cash effectively bring the fee to ~$10/year.
Not ideal if: you want strong travel earning (only 3x on flights, 1x on hotels) or lounge access. The Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve are better for premium travel perks.
The $250 fee, effectively
* Dining credit works at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Uber Cash requires adding the Gold as your Uber payment method.
Annual value comparison
Earn rates
| Category | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants worldwide | 4x | Delivery, takeout, cafes, bars included |
| US supermarkets | 4x | Up to $25,000/yr, then 1x |
| Flights (direct or Amex Travel) | 3x | |
| Everything else | 1x |
Common questions
Is the Amex Gold Card worth $250 a year?
For most people who dine out or cook at home regularly: yes. The $120 dining credit + $120 Uber Cash = $240 in annual value, reducing the effective fee to $10. On top of that, 4x on dining and groceries generates $400–700+ in points for average spenders. Total value easily exceeds $500/year for most households.
Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred: which is better?
Amex Gold wins on food spending: 4x dining/groceries vs Preferred's 3x. Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on travel (5x portal, better transfer partners including Hyatt), welcome bonus relative to spend requirement, and overall flexibility. Gold if you're a food-first spender. Preferred if you travel more.
How do Amex Gold dining credits work?
You get $10/month in statement credits at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Credits don't roll over — use each month's $10 or lose it. Many people auto-apply by setting up a recurring Grubhub+ subscription.
Can I pair Amex Gold with Amex Platinum?
Yes — this is the most popular Amex combination. Gold earns 4x on dining and groceries (everyday spending). Platinum covers flights at 5x and provides premium perks (Centurion Lounges, credits). Both earn Membership Rewards that pool together for transfers to airlines and hotels.
See how Amex Gold ranks for your spending
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